Saints Row: The Third Review - Xbox 360

The third installation of Saints Row is here, jam packed full of cars, weapons, drugs, blow-up dolls, hos, pimps, and more. Memorable characters and over-the-top missions makes Saints Row: The Third a game like no other. Some may suggest this is the moment Saints Row separates from being called a GTA clone, but essentially it still models itself around the same core gameplay of an open-world shooting title. So come with us to the new city of Steelport as we attempt to take Saints Row: The Third perhaps a little too seriously.

Gameplay

Saints Row: The Third brings the regular characters back. Johnny Gat, Shaundi and The Boss (you) are back, only this time it gets crazy. Some brief stints with rival gangs lead to an all-out war with a military force known as STAG (Special Tactics Anti-Gang). As you explode your way through the story you’ll come across everything from tigers to zombies, and more. Expect more from Saints Row: The Third, in fact, too much more. The story goes so far off the hook that you don’t even know how it got so big so fast. We won’t go in to it too much further, but if you thought Gears of War was over the top, you may want to check this title out purely to see the definition of the term over the top.

With that said, the game can still be played in the exact same way as any Saints Row or GTA game before it. You can still just run around mowing down pedestrians, whacking them with baseball bats, upgrading your car NFS Underground style, and messing with the police. At its core, it is still what gamers loved about the previous two titles. Once you throw the story and the kinds of rewards the story gives you into the mix though, the game quickly loses its gangster attitude and becomes incredibly easy. For example, you can upgrade your abilities to the point where you no longer get hurt from bullets, explosions or falls. This is not a cheat, this is an upgrade. Upgrades can be accessible through your phone menu (GTA anyone?), and there are plenty to choose from. You can upgrade your homies, weapons, ammo, and even things like how much money and respect you earn.

Respect is Saints Row’s version of experience, and as you level up your respect you will unlock new abilities to purchase with your cash. We found leveling up happened naturally throughout the progression of the game and there was definitely no need to work out how to earn more respect. You do however earn it for everything you do, such as power slides in your car, or killing rival gangstas. There is also the option to exchange money for respect, and this can help you boost ... (continued next page)